I remember being part of the inaugural ceremony that day and was so proud to watch the flight depart the gate. How things have changed.
US Airways To Launch Airbus A330-300 Service With Philadelphia-Paris Flight
Market Wire, May, 2000 🙁
US Airways will introduce a new dimension in transatlantic air travel today with the launch of Airbus A330-300 service between Philadelphia and Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport.
"Today's flight symbolizes a new standard in transatlantic air travel and a new era for US Airways. This aircraft gives us the flexibility to add both an enhanced level of service and the ability to increase our transatlantic service pattern," said US Airways President and CEO Rakesh Gangwal.
"Just as this airplane puts US Airways into the big leagues of transatlantic air travel, so too the new service helps Philadelphia take another step in offering travelers the kind of amenities worthy of a world class airport. This is a good day for Philadelphia, for our businesses that operate globally and for our growing tourism industry," said Mayor John Street of Philadelphia. US Airways is the first U.S. carrier to fly the A330 and will have seven in the fleet by the end of 2000. The A330 offers a spacious and quiet cabin for three-class service as well as ample cargo space. US Airways flight 26 will depart Philadelphia International Airport at 6 p.m. daily, and will arrive at Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport at 7:20 a.m. the next day. US Airways flight 27 will depart Paris' Charles de Gaulle at 12 noon, and will arrive in Philadelphia at 2:10 p.m. the same day. Westbound A330 service begins on Friday, May 5.
"In just five years, US Airways' Philadelphia transatlantic service has grown from one departure carrying on average 155 passengers in May of 1995 to eight flights serving seven European destinations and carrying a projected 1,400 passengers daily, an average of 188 per flight, in May of 2000," Gangwal said. "With additional A330s coming on line over the next couple of months and with our new international terminal's completion in early 2002, Philadelphia's role in transatlantic air travel is destined to see continued dramatic growth."
In addition to 266 passengers in three-class service, the A330-300 can carry eight 96" x 125" pallets of cargo in its holds, which have a total of 5,751 cubic feet of space, a significant increase over most other transatlantic widebody aircraft.
US Airways is working closely with the City of Philadelphia on a new $400 million international terminal that will have 785,000 square feet of expanded floor space, new baggage and ticketing facilities and vastly expanded customs facilities that will give Philadelphia 23 gates for international flights. The new facility is expected to be ready for use in early 2002.
Some of the features of the A330 include:
First Class
An exclusive setting with maximum comfort and choice. With one row of six seats in a two-two- two configuration, cabin space is extensive.
Electrically powered, fully adjustable seats that recline 180 degrees into a bed. The seat features four-way pneumatic lumbar support, an adjustable headrest and footbar and a personal reading light.
Privacy screens between each seat create a quiet, intimate experience when the seat is reclined.
Computer power and data ports, in addition to an in-seat satellite telephone, provide continual voice, fax and e-mail communications throughout the flight.
The Sony P@ssport(tm) in-flight entertainment system is fully interactive, with audio and video on demand. All flights to Europe offer Signature appetizers, entrees and dessert selections exclusively design for US Airways by Master Chef Georges Perrier of the world renowned Le Bec- Fin restaurant in Philadelphia. Vintage champagnes and premium wines as well as spirits, espresso, cappuccino and specialty beverages. Customers are surrounded in luxury with US Airways' full-sized comforter, blanket, pillows, two-piece sleep suit and slippers, as well as a luxury amenity kit featuring Aromathology personal care products by Crabtree and Evelyn®.
Envoy Class
Seating offers two cabins and six rows, where every seat is on a window or aisle for a total of 36 seats.
60-inch seat pitch that reclines 160 degrees, offering four-way pneumatic lumbar support, an adjustable headrest and footbar and a personal reading light.
Award-winning Envoy Class dining including contemporary cuisine with a choice of four entrees featuring Signature Chef's Selection. Wine cellar offers premium champagnes, vintage French and California wines, and regional wines from Germany, Italy and Spain. Amenity kit features personal care products by Crabtree and Evelyn®.
The Sony P@ssport(tm) in-flight entertainment system is fully interactive, with audio and video on demand.
Coach Class
28 rows in which customers are seated in a 2-4-2 configuration and are never more than one seat away from the aisle. With up to 34-inch pitch, the personal space is among the most generous in the industry.
Seats that feature an adjustable headrest and lumbar support, as well as personal laptop power supply. In addition, a personal phone for domestic and international calls is available throughout the flight and fitted in each seat. Meal service includes a choice of two entrees, with complimentary wines from France, Germany, Italy and California and domestic and imported beer and spirits.
US Airways is the only U.S. or European airline that offers the Sony P@ssport(tm) Audio and Video On Demand personal entertainment system at every seat in Coach Class.
